What is Cigarette Addiction?
The active ingredient in cigarettes is nicotine, which is found in tobacco. Nicotine is a stimulant and one of the fastest addictive substances. Its short-term effect leads to continuous use. Since cigarettes and the nicotine they contain reach the brain within 10 seconds after being inhaled, the desired effects are seen immediately. Cigarettes are used continuously at certain intervals throughout the day and cause them to enter many moments of a person’s life and be adopted.
The widespread use of cigarettes and their acceptance in the environment makes it easier to continue using them. In addition, observing others smoking increases the desire to smoke. Fear of withdrawal symptoms and failure makes it difficult to quit.
Someone who is addicted to smoking can quit smoking, but addiction is a disease. It is not a willpower problem. For this reason, it is necessary to participate in smoking cessation programs conducted by expert therapists on this subject. Many people try to quit on their own, but they are often unable to do so. In addition, the side effects of some drugs used unconsciously can negatively affect health and cause loss of money and time.
Effects of Smoking:
* Low doses of nicotine poisoning cause nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, pallor, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, increased blood pressure, palpitations, cold sweats and shaking hands. A dose of 60 mg can cause respiratory paralysis and death.
* Smoking during pregnancy leads to low birth weight. The baby is born prematurely, very weak and unhealthy. The possibility of miscarriage, stillbirth or death after birth increases.
* Nicotine withdrawal begins approximately 90 minutes after the last cigarette is smoked and is particularly severe in the first 24-48 hours, with symptoms lasting several weeks or even up to a month.
* There is a withdrawal picture in the form of a depressive mood, dysphoria, insomnia, restlessness and anger, anxiety, difficulty in concentration, decreased pulse, and increased appetite.
* Cigarette smoke contains 4000 chemicals, some of which are cancer-causing and carcinogenic. Other toxins and substances in the smoke irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
* Carbon monoxide, which is part of the smoke, interacts with the hemoglobin in human blood to form carboxyhemoglobin. Carboxyhemoglobin inhibits the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen.
* Cigarette smoke predisposes to heart attacks and lung, throat, esophagus, bladder and kidney cancers. 30% of cancer deaths have been found to be related to smoking.
* Lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis are ten times more common in smokers than in non-smokers.
Treatment of Smoking Addiction
At Pink Mansion, treatment for smoking addiction is provided in two ways: outpatient and inpatient.
1- Outpatient Treatment of Smoking Addiction
Outpatient treatment of cigarette addiction is applied to those who are addicted to cigarettes and do not have complaints that require hospitalization. Outpatient addiction treatment initially consists of 3 meetings per week for a period of 1 month. Patients can be admitted directly to the outpatient program. Outpatient treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and medication as well as other psychosocial support programs. Medications that reduce the effects of smoking can also be used in treatment. If necessary, nicotine patches can be recommended as a treatment option. If 1 month of treatment is not enough, the program can be extended according to need and demand.
At the beginning of the treatment, a program is first made for the patient to quit smoking. In this program, medical treatments can be started by discussing with the addict to reduce the desire. In addition to medical treatments, psychological support is also given to the patient from the first day. The content of psychological interviews consists of topics such as smoking history, why the person started and continued smoking, factors that trigger smoking, practices of stress treatment, personal help to avoid smoking, etc. In this way, the patient is able to stay away from alcohol for a long time and adapt to his new life.
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